Steps to Register Your Nigerian Business with CAC Online in Nigeria

Introduction

So you’ve got a great business idea, and you’re ready to take it legit. In Nigeria, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is the go-to authority for registering businesses online. The process might feel a bit daunting at first, but with the right steps, you can get your business registered and compliant without breaking a sweat. This guide breaks down the whole CAC online registration journey into simple, actionable steps—from preparing your documents to getting your certificates and beyond. Let’s dive in and get your business name (or company) officially on the books.

Why register with CAC?

• Legal protection: A registered business enjoys better credibility with customers, suppliers, and banks.
• Limited liability (for Ltd): Personal assets are typically protected beyond your business obligations.
• Access to services: You’ll be able to open a corporate bank account, enter contracts, and enjoy other regulatory benefits.
• Compliance: Staying aligned with Nigerian corporate law reduces risk of penalties and enforcement actions.

Quick prerequisites before you begin

• A valid email address and mobile number (for CAC portal communications and OTPs).
• A Nigerian Tax Identification Number (TIN) if you already have one (optional for initial name registration but required for certain filings later).
• A clear proposed business name (for Business Name registration) or a registered office address and Director details (for Ltd).
• Scanned copies or clear photos of required documents (in some cases) depending on the chosen business type.
• A payment method accepted by the CAC portal (debit card, etc.).

Step-by-step: Registering a Business Name online

1. Create a CAC e-filing account

• Visit the CAC online portal (official CAC services) and sign up for an e-filing account.
• Enter your personal details, create a strong password, and verify via email/OTP.
• Log in to your dashboard.

2. Check for name availability

• Use the “Name Reservation” or “Search Name” tool to check if your desired business name is available.
• If the name is taken, brainstorm alternatives and repeat until you find an available name.
• Once you have an available name, proceed to reserve it. You typically pay a small fee for name reservation.

3. Prepare your documents

• Proposed Business Name.
• Details of owner or partners (full names, addresses, and contact information).
• Activities of the business (a brief description of what the business will do).
• Passport-sized photograph of the owner(s) or a corporate director’s photograph (if required).
• Any other documentation requested by CAC for name reservation.

4. Complete the “Register a Business Name” form

• Enter the reserved name, the owner’s details, business activities, and address.
• Attach the necessary documents (scanned copies or photos as required).
• Review all information for accuracy.

5. Pay and submit

• Pay the filing fee via the CAC portal.
• Submit the application. You’ll receive an acknowledgment and a tracking number.

6. Await approval and certificate issuance

• CAC will review your application. If everything is in order, you’ll receive an e-certificate of registration for the Business Name.
• You can download and print your certificate from the CAC portal.

7. Post-registration steps

• Obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) if you haven’t already.
• Open a business bank account in the registered name.
• Consider publishing a notice of your business name in the appropriate medium if required.

Step-by-step: Registering a Limited Liability Company (Ltd) online

1. Create or log in to your CAC e-filing account

• The process begins the same way as for a Business Name, but you’ll choose “Register a Company” instead of “Register a Business Name.”

2. Reserve or finalize your company name

• Run a name search to ensure availability.
• If available, reserve the name. In some cases, you can proceed directly to registration without prior name reservation, depending on CAC rules at the time.

3. Prepare incorporation documents Common documents for a Nigerian Ltd include:

• Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMART) detailing the company’s purpose and governance.
• Form CAC I2 (Appointment of directors) and Form CAC I3 (Details of subscribers and shareholding).
• Particulars of the company (registered address, state of incorporation, etc.).
• List of directors and secretary (if required).
• Nomination of a company secretary (professional company secretary is a common requirement).
• Valid means of identification for directors (passport or national ID, etc.).
• NIN/TIN details where applicable.
• Share structure and shareholding details.

4. Complete the incorporation forms

• Enter the company name, type (Limited by shares is common), principal business activity, and registered address.
• Provide details of directors, Secretary, and subscribers (names, addresses, nationalities, occupations, number of shares, etc.).
• Upload MEMART and any other required documents.

5. Pay filing fees and submit

• CAC will present a calculation of fees (incorporation, name reservation (if not already done), stamp duties, etc.).
• Submit the application and pay the fees through the portal.
• You’ll receive a provisional name approval and subsequently your incorporation certificate upon successful processing.

6. Obtain the certificate of incorporation and registered details

• Once CAC approves, you’ll get the Certificate of Incorporation (CoR) and the company’s profile with official details.

7. Post-incorporation steps

• Appoint a company secretary if you haven’t already.
• Obtain the Tax Identification Number (TIN) from FIRS for the company.
• Register for VAT if applicable and set up payroll/employee processes.
• Open a corporate bank account in the company’s name.
• Ensure proper corporate governance: maintain statutory registers, board resolutions, and annual returns as required.

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Common pitfalls and tips

• Ensure accuracy: Spelling mistakes in names, addresses, or directors can delay registration.
• Names must be unique: Double-check that your chosen name isn’t already in use or too similar to existing registered entities.
• Provide clear MEMART for Ltd: The Memorandum and Articles of Association should align with the company’s intended activities and governance.
• Prepare digital copies: Have clear scans or photographs of all required documents to avoid re-submissions.
• Follow up: Use the CAC tracking number to monitor progress and respond promptly to any CAC requests.
• Keep records: Maintain copies of all submitted forms, receipts, and certificates in a secure location.

Post-registration: what’s next

• Tax registration: Get your TIN from FIRS and register for VAT if your turnover or activities require it.
• Bank setup: Open corporate accounts with reputable banks and set up online banking.
• Compliance calendar: Mark important dates for annual returns, financial statements, and secretarial duties.
• Business branding: Once registered, update business branding with your official name (logo, domain, and marketing materials).

FAQs

• How long does CAC online registration take? The timeline varies, but many simple Business Name registrations can be completed within a few days if all documents are in order. Ltd registrations may take longer due to MEMART processing and director verifications.
• Can I handle CAC registration without a lawyer? Yes, many entrepreneurs handle it themselves using the CAC portal. However, consulting a corporate secretary or lawyer can help ensure accuracy, especially for Ltd registrations.
• Do I need to publish a newspaper notice? This sometimes depends on the type of entity and CAC requirements at the time of filing. Check the latest CAC guidelines during the process.
• What if I make a mistake after submission? The CAC portal typically allows you to edit or resubmit certain fields. If not, you may need to request a correction or resubmit the application with the correct information.
• Is there a separate fee for name reservation vs. registration? Yes. There is typically a small fee for name reservation, and additional fees for filing, incorporation, and stamp duties as applicable.